Lagatar24 Desk
Washington, United States: Tens of thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets of major U.S. cities on Saturday in a wave of protests against President Donald Trump, marking the largest nationwide demonstrations since his return to the White House.
Protests erupted in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Florida, and other cities, as people expressed outrage over Trump’s divisive policies—from aggressive trade tariffs and anti-abortion measures to civil liberty rollbacks and deep government staffing cuts.
“I’m angry all the time,” said New York artist Shaina Kesner, 43, who joined a large crowd in Manhattan. “A bunch of privileged, white alleged rapists are controlling our country. It’s not great.”
In Washington, the National Mall saw thousands rally from across the country. “We brought about 100 people from New Hampshire to oppose this outrageous administration,” said Diane Kolifrath, a 64-year-old bike tour guide. “They’re gutting our government.”
Symbolic visuals dominated many protests. In Los Angeles, a demonstrator dressed as a character from The Handmaid’s Tale waved a flag that read: “Get out of my uterus,” slamming Trump’s anti-abortion stance. In Denver, one protester held a sign that read, “No king for USA.”
International solidarity protests were held in cities like London and Berlin. “What’s happening in America is everyone’s problem,” said Liz Chamberlin, a US-British citizen at a rally in London. In Berlin, retiree Susanne Fest, 70, called Trump “a lunatic,” accusing him of creating a constitutional crisis.
The demonstrations were organized under the “Hands Off” campaign by a coalition of progressive groups, including MoveOn and Women’s March, and took place in over 1,000 cities across every congressional district in the U.S.
Protesters voiced anger at Trump’s authoritarian tone, economic decisions, and attempts to dismantle institutions. “We’re out here to stop, honestly, fascism,” said Dominic Santella in Boston. “We’re trying to stop a leader who jails opponents and immigrants.”
Democratic frustration was also palpable. Congressman Jamie Raskin, who served as an impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment, told the Washington crowd: “No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
Activist Graylan Hagler, 71, warned: “They’ve awakened a sleeping giant. We will not sit down, we will not be quiet, and we will not go away.”
The protests remained peaceful with a spirited atmosphere, involving participants from all walks of life, including families with young children. Organizers initially estimated 20,000 would attend in Washington, but by afternoon, the turnout appeared far greater.
Despite falling approval ratings and growing public dissent, the White House dismissed the protests. President Trump, unwavering in his stance, declared on Friday, “My policies will never change.”
